Mariska Hargitay ‘Burst Into Tears’ Over Christopher Meloni’s ‘Organized Crime’ Exit, Hints at Reunion

For Mariska Hargitay, the end of an era for her longtime collaborator Christopher Meloni hit harder than expected.

The 62-year-old Law & Order: Special Victims Unit star is opening up about her emotional reaction after watching Meloni address the cancellation of Law & Order: Organized Crime, which as Closer previously reported, was officially axed on April 16 after five seasons.

“I saw it and burst out in tears, first of all,” she said in an interview with Extra posted to Instagram, Thursday, April 23. Hargitay explained that Meloni’s heartfelt reflection on his time with the franchise stirred something deeper, adding that his journey had been “so beautiful and intimate and such a huge part of his life.”

Meloni, 65, first stepped into the role of Elliot Stabler in 1999 in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit before reprising the character for Organized Crime in 2021.

Following news of the cancellation, he shared a candid video on Instagram, thanking fans for their unwavering support. “I had a great time playing him,” he said, also crediting viewers for helping build a career he “never dreamed of,” according to his Instagram post.

For Hargitay, the significance of that farewell extended beyond a single show ending. She told Extra that moments like this signal a turning point. “It’s, in a way, closing a chapter. It’s a real marker in your life,” she said, noting how the transition prompted reflection.

Still, fans of Benson and Stabler may not need to say goodbye entirely. In the same interview, Hargitay teased that their iconic characters could reunite.“Somehow, some way, yes,” she said.

She echoed that hope during remarks to Deadline, Wednesday, April 22, emphasizing the enduring cultural impact of their on-screen partnership. Calling the collaboration “deeply meaningful,” Hargitay added that while Meloni remains “very in-demand,” she’s optimistic their paths will cross again.

“I love Chris and I love acting with Chris, so I’m always open to working with him and getting Benson and Stabler together,” she told the outlet. “They’re happiest when they’re together.”